Rickey Henderson, Center, with trophy as athlete of the year at Bushrod Park. Kerry Bland is on left and right is Lamont Whitehead.

Rickey Henderson, Center, with trophy as athlete of the year at...

Rickey Henderson, Center, with trophy as athlete of the year at... Photo-2025855.34551 - SFGate

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Oakland Tech High School star athlete Rickey Henderson was voted in the senior class poll as having the Best Shape along with classmate Patrica Brimmer (left) in Henderson's senior year in Oakland, Calif.

1989: Rickey Henderson of the New York Yankees in action during a game. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

1989: Rickey Henderson of the New York Yankees in action during a...

1989: Rickey Henderson of the New York Yankees in action during a... Photo-2025879.34551 - SFGate

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Oakland A's outfielder Rickey Henderson stomps out a World Series dance step during warm up exercise for practice in Phoenix, Thursday, Oct. 26, 1989. The A's are at their spring training site to workout for the resumption of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants, which continues Friday night.

In this May 22, 1986 file photo, New York Yankees' Rickey Henderson takes off to steal of third base during a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium in New York. Henderson and Jim Rice were elected to the baseball Hall of Fame Monday Jan. 12, 2009.

Photo: Ray Stubblebine, AP

In this May 22, 1986 file photo, New York Yankees' Rickey Henderson...

In this May 22, 1986 file photo, New York Yankees' Rickey... Photo-2025883.34551 - SFGate

1989: Outfielders Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco of the Oakland Athletics celebrate during a playoff game against the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER: Infielder Matt Williams #9 of the San Francisco Gaints attempts to tag Rickey Henderson #22 of the Oakland Athletics during the 1989 World Series at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, in October. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Oct 1989: First baseman Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants tries to tag out outfielder Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics during the World Series at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule/Allsport

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Oct 1989: First baseman Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants...

Oct 1989: First baseman Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants... Photo-2025891.34551 - SFGate

April 28, 1991 - Umpire Drew Coble calls Rickey Henderson safe after he stole second base in the second inning. The Angel who applied the late tag is Jay Howell.
Scott Sommerdorf/San Francisco Chronicle

** FILE ** In this May 1, 1991, file photo, Oakland Athletics' Rickey Henderson celebrates and raises third base after setting the all-time stolen base record during the Athletics' baseball game in Oakland, Calif., against the New York Yankees. The stolen base was Henderson's 939th, moving him past Lou Brock. Henderson was voted into baseball's Hall of Fame on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

May 1, 1991
Rickey Henderson steals 3rd base at Oakland Coliseum against the N.Y. Yankees to surpass Lou Brock's previous record of 938 stolen bases. He raises the trophy he was presented with his Mother, Bobbie, at his right and Lou Brock at his left.

5 Sep 1993: Outfielder Rickey Henderson of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on during a game against the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. Mandatory Credit: Simon Barnett /Allsport

SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 28: Rickey Henderson #24 of the Anaheim Angels waves to the fans during a game with the San Diego Padres at Qualcomm Stadium on August 28, 1997 in San Diego, California. The Padres won 3-2. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Rickey Henderson gets his jump off of first base on his way to stealing second base in the first inning of the 8-2 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Oakland Coliseum on July 5, 1995.

Photo: Brad Mangin, Special To The Chronicle

Rickey Henderson gets his jump off of first base on his way to...

Rickey Henderson gets his jump off of first base on his way to... Photo-2025924.34551 - SFGate

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** FILE ** This is a 1995 file photo showing Oakland Athletics baseball player Rickey Henderson. Henderson sped his way into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, and Jim Rice made it in on his 15th and final try. (AP Photo/File)

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND OF MARCH 28-29--FILE--Oakland Athletics left fielder Rickey Henderson looks out to the field from the clubhouse walkway prior to the A's spring training game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Ariz., March 6, 1998. The 39-year-old all-star is playing with the Athletics for the fourth time in his career. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

A's Rickey Henderson makes contact during game four of the 19989 World Series. KENNY is behind the plate for the Giants.

Photo: DEANNE FITZMAURICE, The Chronicle

A's Rickey Henderson makes contact during game four of the 19989...

A's Rickey Henderson makes contact during game four of the... Photo-2025938.34551 - SFGate

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New York Mets' Rickey Henderson slides into second base with his 1300th career stolen base as San Diego Padres second baseman Damion Jackson makes a late tag in the third inning Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at Shea Stadium in New York.

Photo: LOU REQUENA, Associated Press

New York Mets' Rickey Henderson slides into second base with his...

New York Mets' Rickey Henderson slides into second base with... Photo-2025940.34551 - SFGate

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New York Mets' Rickey Henderson watches his home run in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds, in this Oct. 4, 1999 photo in Cincinnati. The Seattle Mariners believe something the Mets didn't: Rickey Henderson is still good enough to help a team win a championship. Henderson, 41, who agreed to terms on a contract for the remainder of the season, is expected to join the Mariners Saturday or Sunday at Safeco Field against Tampa Bay.

Photo: ED REINKE, Associated Press

New York Mets' Rickey Henderson watches his home run in the fifth...

New York Mets' Rickey Henderson watches his home run in the... Photo-2025942.34551 - SFGate

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12 Apr 1999: Outfielder Rickey Henderson #24 of the New York Mets attempts a steal of second base during the game against the Florida Marlins at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadow, New York. The Mets defeated the Marlins 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport

Rickey Henderson began to play at Safeco Field for the Seattle Mariners just a week ago, on May 30th 2000. His career has taken him to many teams around the country.

Photo: CHRIS STEWART, The Chronicle

Rickey Henderson began to play at Safeco Field for the Seattle...

Rickey Henderson began to play at Safeco Field for the Seattle... Photo-2025947.34551 - SFGate

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PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 16: Seattle Mariners' Rickey Henderson dives for third base for a eighth inning triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks 16 July 2000 in Phoenix. The Mariners won the interleague game 6-3. (Photo credit should read MIKE FIALA/AFP/Getty Images)

Seattle Mariners' Rickey Henderson comes home past Chicago White Sox catcher Charles Johnson on a Alex Rodriguez sacrifice during the fifth inning of game two of the American League division series in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2000.

San Diego Padres' Rickey Henderson stands on first and acknowledges the applause after walking and setting the all time record for base on balls at 2063, Wednesday April 25, 2001 in San Diego. He was previously tied with Babe Ruth.

Photo: LENNY IGNELZI, Associated Press

San Diego Padres' Rickey Henderson stands on first and acknowledges...

Rickey Henderson jumps as he gets hit by a pitch and goes to 1st base 8th inning as SF Giants lose to San Diego Padres at Pacific bell park in San Francisco.

Photo: DEANNE FITZMAURICE, The Chronicle

Rickey Henderson jumps as he gets hit by a pitch and goes to 1st...

Rickey Henderson jumps as he gets hit by a pitch and goes to 1st... Photo-2025955.34551 - SFGate

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In this Oct. 4, 2001 file photo, San Diego Padres' Rickey Henderson holds up a gold-plated commemorative home plate presented to him after he scored his 2,246 career run by hitting a home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in San Diego. The run broke baseball's all-time record set by Ty Cobb in 1928. Henderson and Jim Rice were elected to the baseball Hall of Fame Monday Jan. 12, 2009.

In this Oct. 4, 2001 file photo, San Diego Padres' Rickey Henderson sports the big smile at a news conference following the Padres' 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in San Diego. Henderson scored his 2,246 career run on a solo home run in the third inning of the game, breaking the all-time mark he shared with Ty Cobb.

In this Oct. 7, 2001 file photo, San Diego Padres' Rickey Henderson waves to the crowd after collecting his 3,000th career hit during the first inning of the Padres' game against the Colorado Rockies in San Diego.

San Diergo Padres' Rickey Henderson throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001, at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Mike Blake)

Photo: MATT YORK, Associated Press

San Diergo Padres' Rickey Henderson throws out the ceremonial first...

Boston Red Sox batter Rickey Henderson singles in teammate Tony Clark with a drive in the fifth inning that also allowed Rey Sanchez of the Sox to score on a throwing error by Oakland A's left fielder Jeremy Giambi with two out May 14, 2002 at Fenway Park in Boston. Henderson also took second on Giambi's error.

LOS ANGELES - JULY 24: Left fielder Rickey Henderson #25 of the Los Angeles Dodgers studies the pitcher as he leads off of first base during the National League game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers won 1-0 in 11 innings. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Rickey Henderson throws out the first pitch at the dedication ceremony for Rickey Henderson Field at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, August 11, 2006. The former Oakland A's star and future Hall of Famer is an Oakland native.PAUL CHINN/The Chronicle

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

Rickey Henderson throws out the first pitch at the dedication...

Rickey Henderson throws out the first pitch at the dedication... Photo-2025973.34551 - SFGate

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Former Oakland Athletic star, Rickey Henderson, takes the field once again at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., for the Bank of America Youth Baseball Clinic on Tuesday JUly 8, 2008 to share his skills with kids from the Oakland Babe Ruth Baseball league.Photo By Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Former Oakland Athletic star Rickey Henderson tosses balls to kids of the Oakland Babe Ruth Baseball League, during the Bak of America Youth Baseball Clinic at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. of TUesday July 8, 2008. Photo By Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Former Oakland Athletic star Rickey Henderson gets a high-five from Albert Ybarra, 9 of Oakland ,during the Bank of America Youth Baseball Clinic at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday July 8, 2008.Photo By Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Former Oakland Athletic star, Rickey Henderson, cheers a catch as he tosses pop-ups to kids during the Bank of America Youth Baseball Clinic at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. on Tuesday July 8, 2008.Photo By Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Former Oakland Athletic star, Rickey Henderson, tosses pop-ups to future stars during the Bank of America Youth Baseball Clinic at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Tiesday July 8, 2008.Photo By Michael Macor/ The Chronicle

Rickey HendersonThe Oakland A's Community Fund's third Annual Dinner on the Diamond at McAfee Coliseum raised more than $100,000 for the A's Community Fund and LA based camp "The Painted Turtle" for children with serious health issues.

Rickey henderson with painting by David GaribaldiThe Oakland A's Community Fund's third Annual Dinner on the Diamond at McAfee Coliseum raised more than $100,000 for the A's Community Fund and LA based camp "The Painted Turtle" for children with serious health issues.

Rickey Henderson, Frank ThomasThe Oakland A's Community Fund's third Annual Dinner on the Diamond at McAfee Coliseum raised more than $100,000 for the A's Community Fund and LA based camp "The Painted Turtle" for children with serious health issues.

Hall of Famer and former Oakland Athletics' Rickey Henderson, right, talks with Athletics' Jason Giambi after throwing the ceremonial first pitch, caught by Giambi, before the Athletics played the San Francisco Giants in a spring training baseball game in Phoenix, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Hall-of-Famer and former Oakland Athletics' Rickey Henderson laughs after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Athletics played the San Francisco Giants in a spring training baseball game in Phoenix, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Class of 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Henderson enjoys a tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., on Friday, May 8, 2009. At lower left are shoes he wore when he tied Lou Brock's stolen base record.

Class of 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Henderson handles objects from his career in the archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Class of 20090 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Henderson swings one of his old bats durring a tour of the archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., on Friday, May 8, 2009. At right is Henderson's wife, Pamela.

Class of 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Henderson stands near a display showing him as baseball's all-time run scorer during a tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., on Friday, May 8, 2009. The color photo at lower left is of Ken Griffey, Jr., the games current active leading scorer.